Sunday, June 21, 2015

CITY WOMEN CENTER UP SOON

DAGUPAN CITY - A women center costing P3,497,341.61 will soon rise on Bonifacio Street in Barangay Poblacion Oeste here following the groundbreaking rites on the proposed edifice on June 18.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez led the groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of the construction of the center for women suffering from anxieties, depressions, post-natal depression and bi-polar disorder in line with the city’s program in promoting and protecting the rights of women in the city.

In her message delivered by 2015 Manlingkor ya Kalangweran little mayor Anjanette Cayabyab Fernandez said that the center will provide safety, shelter and support to women and their families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse and to facilitate their development.

She added that the center will also be home to all women who want to explore their potentials where various activities relating to livelihood skills and employment, personal development and education will be held.

“We want women in our city to feel that they are not alone. There may not be an easy answer but we shall have safe place for them to talk about their thoughts, feelings and options,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez said the city’s programs are not just about illegal drugs and anti-bullying, but are also against violence on women and children.

She said she wants zero violence on women and children in the city.

Committee on Women, Children and Social Services chairman Councilor Maybelyn Dela Cruz-Fernandez said ‘this is women empowerment at its best!’

Local Council of Women president Kagawad Imelda Gonzales expressed her gratitude to the local government for providing the women a facility where they can seek refuge and support against any form of violence. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/June 18, 2015)